Fintech
Greenstone Capital Corp. Announces LOI for Qualifying Transaction with U.S. Based Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc.
Calgary, Alberta–(Newsfile Corp. – October 27, 2020) – Greenstone Capital Corp. (TSXV: GSGS.P) (the “Company” or “Greenstone“), a capital pool company (“CPC“), is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent dated October 23, 2020 (the “LOI“) to enter into an arm’s length business combination transaction (the “Proposed Transaction“) with Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc. (“CHS“).
CHS is a vertically integrated software and services (SaaS) company focused on digitizing healthcare with Telehealth and Healthcare Benefits Administration solutions. Its state of the art NPS Novus Healthcare Welfare and Benefits Administration (HWBA) SaaS platform is used by clients for all aspects of healthcare benefit administration, providing reliable and high-volume transaction capable systems.
CHS upcoming “Telehealth” user-facing app available on the web, iOS and Android will be fully integrated with the HPS NOVUS Platform. Any user, including the 600,000+ members currently using Novus can interact with doctors, clinics, and hospitals in the CHS network. The app will allow its users to connect to most major electronic medical records databases, payment gateways and billing systems. All the records on the app will be encrypted giving full control to its users.
Upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, the combined entity (the “Resulting Issuer“) will be a healthcare services company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (the “Exchange“).
Greenstone intends that the Proposed Transaction will constitute its “Qualifying Transaction”, as such term is defined under Policy 2.4 of the Exchange and will be listed as a Tier 2 technology issuer on the Exchange. Upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, the Company expects that the Resulting Issuer will be named “Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc.” or such other name as acceptable to CHS and will continue to carry on the business of CHS as currently constituted. The Proposed Transaction is not a Non-Arm’s Length Qualifying Transaction (as defined in Exchange Policy 2.4).
Summary of the Qualifying Transaction
The LOI contemplates Greenstone and CHS undertaking an arm’s length business combination transaction. Following completion of the Proposed Transaction, the current securityholders of CHS would own a majority of the issued and outstanding common shares in the capital of the Resulting Issuer and CHS will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Resulting Issuer.
Upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, and assuming the Concurrent Financings (as defined below) are fully subscribed, existing holders of common shares in the capital of Greenstone (the “Greenstone Shares“) are anticipated to hold, in the aggregate, 3,000,000 common shares in the share capital of the Resulting Issuer (the “Resulting Issuer Shares“) representing approximately 3.82% of the outstanding Resulting Issuer Shares (3.27% on a fully diluted basis). Former security holders of CHS (including holders of Convertible Debentures (as defined below) are expected to hold, in the aggregate, 60,000,000 Resulting Issuer Shares, representing approximately 76.43% of the outstanding Resulting Issuer Shares (65.31% on a fully diluted basis) and a deemed price per share of $0.30 (an aggregate deemed value of CHS of $18 million). Investors under the Brokered Concurrent Financing (as defined below) will hold, in the aggregate, 6,666,667 Resulting Issuer Shares, representing approximately 8.49% of the outstanding Resulting Issuer Shares (7.26% on a fully diluted basis). Investors under the Non-Brokered Concurrent Financing (as defined below) will hold, in the aggregate, 8,333,333 Resulting Issuer Shares, representing approximately 10.62% of the outstanding Resulting Issuer Shares (9.07% on a fully diluted basis).
Concurrent Private Placement Financings
In connection with the Proposed Transaction, CHS anticipates completing a brokered private placement financing (the “Brokered Concurrent Financing“) for aggregate gross proceeds of up to CDN$2,000,000. It is anticipated that the Brokered Concurrent Financing will be undertaken as a “commercially reasonable best efforts” private placement of up to 6,666,667 subscription receipts of CHS (the “Subscription Receipts“) at a price of CDN$0.30 per Subscription Receipt (the “Offering Price“). Concurrently with the closing of the Proposed Transaction, each Subscription Receipt would automatically pursuant to its terms (without any action required from the holder thereof) be deemed exercised for common stock in the capital of CHS (the “CHS Shares“) on a one-for-one basis immediately prior to the completion of the Proposed Transaction and subsequently exchanged for Resulting Issuer Shares. Subscription funds received in connection with the Brokered Concurrent Financing would be held in escrow pending closing of the Proposed Transaction and subject to the satisfaction of certain escrow release conditions, which shall include Exchange approval of the Proposed Transaction. If the Proposed Transaction does not close, such subscription funds would be returned to subscribers with pro rata interest in accordance with the terms of the subscription receipt agreement governing the Subscription Receipts.
In addition, CHS anticipates completing a non-brokered private placement financing (the “Non-Brokered Concurrent Financing” and together with the Brokered Concurrent Financing, the “Concurrent Financings“) of convertible debentures (the “Convertible Debentures“) for aggregate gross proceeds of up to CDN$2,000,000. The Convertible Debentures will be issued on such terms and conditions as may be agreed to by the parties, but shall be convertible into CHS Shares at 20% discount to the Offering Price. The Convertible Debentures shall have conditions, which shall provide for the forced conversion of the Convertible Debentures into CHS Shares immediately prior to the completion of the Proposed Transaction.
Conditions to Closing
The completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to the satisfaction of various conditions that are customary for a transaction of this nature, including but not limited to (i) execution of a definitive agreement (the “Definitive Agreement“) on or prior to November 30, 2020; (ii) the completion of the Concurrent Financings; (iii) the approval by the directors and shareholders (if required) of Greenstone and CHS, (iv) receipt of all requisite regulatory, stock exchange, or governmental authorizations (if any) and third party consents, including the Exchange; and (v) the completion of satisfactory due diligence by each of the parties. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed on the terms proposed above or at all.
Pursuant to the terms of the LOI, CHS and Greenstone have agreed not to solicit or negotiate with any other entities in regard to a transaction similar to the Proposed Transaction. In addition, the LOI contemplates that the directors and officers of Greenstone and the directors, officers and material shareholders of CHS would enter into support agreements whereby they will agree to vote their Greenstone Shares or CHS Shares, as applicable, in favour of the Proposed Transaction and matters ancillary thereto at any meeting of shareholders called for such purpose.
Sponsorship of the Qualifying Transaction
Sponsorship of a “Qualifying Transaction” of a CPC is required by the Exchange unless exempt therefrom in accordance with the Exchange’s policies. Given the size and nature of the Proposed Transaction, including the amount of the Concurrent Financings, Greenstone intends to apply for an exemption from the sponsorship requirements pursuant to the policies of the Exchange. If the exemption is not granted by the Exchange, then Greenstone would be required to engage a sponsor.
Trading Halt
At the Company’s request, trading in Greenstone’s Shares has been halted by the Exchange. Trading is expected to remain halted until, at the earliest, the completion of the Proposed Transaction.
General
Other than adjustments required to reflect the Proposed Transaction exchange ratios, none of the terms of any outstanding securities of Greenstone would be amended and the Resulting Issuer will honour all of Greenstone’s existing obligations to issue securities, including, without limitation, the share purchase warrants issued in connection with Greenstone’s initial public offering and all outstanding stock options. Each of Greenstone and CHS will bear their own costs in respect of the Proposed Transaction.
Additional disclosure concerning CHS as required pursuant to Policy 2.4 (inclusive of the requisite financial statement disclosure with respect to CHS), the Resulting Issuer and the Concurrent Financings will be included in a subsequent news release and also included in the disclosure document prepared in connection with the Proposed Transaction.
About Greenstone Capital Corp.
Greenstone is a CPC that completed its initial public offering and obtained a listing on the Exchange in August 2019 (TSXV: GSGS.P). Prior to entering into the LOI, Greenstone did not carry on any active business activity other than reviewing potential transactions that would qualify as Greenstone’s Qualifying Transaction.
About Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc.
CHS is a vertically integrated software and services (SaaS) company focused on digitizing healthcare with Telehealth and Healthcare Benefits Administration solutions. Its state of the art NPS Novus Healthcare Welfare and Benefits Administration (HWBA) SaaS platform is used by clients for all aspects of healthcare benefit administration, providing reliable and high-volume transaction capable systems.
CHS upcoming “Telehealth” user-facing app available on the web, iOS and Android will be fully integrated with the HPS NOVUS Platform. Any user, including the 600,000+ members currently using Novus can interact with doctors, clinics, and hospitals in the CHS network. The app will allow its users to connect to most major electronic medical records databases, payment gateways and billing systems. All the records on the app will be encrypted giving full control to its users.
All information in this Press Release relating to CHS is the sole responsibility of CHS. Management of Greenstone has not independently reviewed this disclosure nor has Greenstone’s management hired any third party consultants or contractors to verify such information.
Cautionary Note
As noted above, completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions including, without limitation, approval of the Exchange, approval of the shareholders of CHS and Greenstone and completion of the Concurrent Financing. Where applicable, the Proposed Transaction cannot close until the required approvals have been obtained. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.
Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the continuous disclosure document containing full, true and plain disclosure regarding the Proposed Transaction, required to be filed with the securities regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the affairs of the Company, any information released or received with respect to the Proposed Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. The trading in the securities of Greenstone on the Exchange, if reinstated prior to completion of the Proposed Transaction, should be considered highly speculative.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Mo Fazil
President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (403) 613-7310
Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect Greenstone’s current expectations. When used in this press release, the words “estimate”, “project”, “belief”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “plan”, “predict”, “may” or “should” and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this press release include information relating to the business plans of Greenstone, CHS, and the Resulting Issuer, the Concurrent Financings and the Proposed Transaction (including Exchange approval and the closing of the Proposed Transaction). Such statements and information reflect the current view of Greenstone. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information.
By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
Such factors include, among others, the following risks:
- there is no assurance that the Concurrent Financings will be completed or as to the actual offering price or gross proceeds to be raised in connection with the Concurrent Financings. In particular, the amount raised may be significantly less than the amounts anticipated as a result of, among other things, market conditions and investor behaviour;
- there is no assurance that Greenstone and CHS will obtain all requisite approvals for the Proposed Transaction, including the approval of their respective shareholders (if required), or the approval of the Exchange (which may be conditional upon amendments to the terms of the Proposed Transaction);
- following completion of the Proposed Transaction, the Resulting Issuer may require additional financing from time to time in order to continue its operations. Financing may not be available when needed or on terms and conditions acceptable to the Resulting Issuer;
- new laws or regulations could adversely affect the Resulting Issuer’s business and results of operations; and
- the stock markets have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the performance of companies. These fluctuations may adversely affect the price of the Resulting Issuer’s securities, regardless of its operating performance.
There are a number of important factors that could cause Greenstone’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others: currency fluctuations; limited business history of Greenstone; disruptions or changes in the credit or security markets; results of operation activities and development of projects; project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, fluctuations in commodity prices, general market and industry conditions and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Greenstone cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on Greenstone’s forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Greenstone has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors.
THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF GREENSTONE AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE GREENSTONE MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.
This press release is not an offer of the securities for sale in the United States. The securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.
Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.
Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Proposed Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Proposed Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.
The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the Proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/66932
In the fast-paced world of financial technology, shifts occur daily as companies strive for innovation, customer satisfaction, and enhanced market reach. Today’s briefing covers a spectrum of developments, from Visa Direct’s groundbreaking integration in Korea to challenges plaguing the app economy. We’ll also touch on recent acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and expansions in fintech ecosystems. Here’s what you need to know about today’s most pressing fintech trends.
Visa Direct’s Milestone in South Korea: SentBe’s Card Transfer Service Launch
South Korea’s fintech ecosystem has taken a notable leap forward with SentBe’s implementation of Visa Direct’s Card Transfer Service. This collaboration marks a milestone, positioning SentBe as the first Korean fintech company to offer card-to-card international money transfers, a feature in high demand given the rise in cross-border financial activities. Visa Direct’s real-time card-to-card transfers are a potential game-changer for consumers and businesses alike, facilitating faster and more secure global transactions.
The collaboration exemplifies Visa’s larger strategy of partnering with regional fintech players to broaden its influence across Asia’s dynamic fintech markets. By tapping into SentBe’s growing customer base and extensive user insights, Visa is embedding itself deeper into local markets, simultaneously offering Korean users a more streamlined and efficient money transfer experience.
The service’s design allows individuals and small businesses alike to benefit from quicker transaction processing times, marking a significant evolution from traditional remittance processes that rely on intermediary banks. The move is especially critical in a digital age where customer expectations lean heavily towards instant, seamless financial interactions.
Source: Electronic Payments International
Fintech App ‘Trap’ Enrages Consumers Struggling to Cancel Subscriptions
In the modern subscription-based economy, some fintech companies are facing backlash over what customers perceive as the ‘trap’ of endlessly renewable subscriptions that are nearly impossible to cancel. A recent expose revealed mounting frustrations among consumers who signed up for digital services but later found themselves locked into subscriptions they could not easily terminate. The piece highlights the darker side of user retention strategies deployed by some companies to mitigate churn by making cancellation processes intentionally convoluted.
The app-based economy relies on recurring revenue, which remains a vital lifeline for startups and established firms alike. However, industry insiders argue that lack of transparency and difficult cancellation processes have an adverse impact on customer trust, leading to a growing dissatisfaction that may ultimately backfire on these companies. As consumers grow more savvy, fintechs relying on these practices could risk higher attrition rates, regulatory scrutiny, and brand erosion.
This emerging issue has raised questions about ethical standards and customer-centric models in fintech. As competition intensifies, companies must balance growth with transparent practices that foster customer loyalty, rather than coercion.
Source: Forbes
Pinwheel and Terafina Partner to Streamline Omnichannel Customer Onboarding
Pinwheel, a fintech infrastructure company known for its payroll and income data connectivity solutions, recently announced a partnership with Terafina, a leader in omnichannel sales and service platforms for financial institutions. This collaboration aims to simplify and enhance the onboarding process for new customers, providing them with seamless experiences across multiple channels, whether online, mobile, or in-branch.
The partnership combines Pinwheel’s data integration capabilities with Terafina’s expertise in customer onboarding, allowing financial institutions to create more personalized and flexible account opening processes. With consumer expectations evolving towards instant service and mobile-first access, this integration empowers banks and credit unions to meet these needs by delivering cohesive and smooth digital onboarding journeys.
In an industry where customer acquisition and retention are increasingly dependent on first impressions, the significance of streamlined onboarding cannot be overstated. By improving access to real-time employment and income data, this partnership enhances user verification and compliance while also allowing institutions to better assess applicants’ creditworthiness, which is crucial in today’s lending environment.
Source: PR Newswire
nCino Acquires FullCircl in $135 Million Deal: Expanding the Scope of Relationship Management
Fintech giant nCino recently completed its acquisition of FullCircl, a move that underscores its ambition to broaden its reach in the financial services sector. FullCircl, known for its focus on customer relationship management (CRM) solutions tailored to financial institutions, brings a robust set of tools that will allow nCino to enhance its cloud-based banking platform. The acquisition, valued at $135 million, positions nCino as a stronger player in the relationship management space, especially crucial for institutions looking to build deep, long-term client relationships.
With this acquisition, nCino aims to expand its footprint in Europe and boost its offerings in the CRM space, providing banks and credit unions with innovative tools for client engagement and retention. The integration of FullCircl’s CRM capabilities will also support nCino’s existing portfolio, which includes loan origination and digital banking solutions, strengthening its position as a one-stop platform for financial institutions.
This acquisition is part of a growing trend of consolidation in the fintech sector, where larger firms acquire specialized players to fill critical service gaps and offer more comprehensive solutions. By building a holistic platform that spans multiple functionalities, nCino is better equipped to compete in the increasingly crowded digital banking software market.
Source: The Paypers
DriveWealth’s European Expansion: A Strategic Base in Lithuania
DriveWealth, a digital brokerage technology firm, has chosen Lithuania as the launchpad for its European operations. By establishing a base within Lithuania’s burgeoning fintech hub, DriveWealth is strategically positioning itself to tap into the European market, leveraging the country’s favorable regulatory environment and proximity to major EU economies.
The expansion is particularly significant given the increasing demand in Europe for retail investing platforms that provide accessible and affordable market entry. DriveWealth’s solutions enable digital brokers and financial platforms to offer customers fractional shares and real-time trading experiences, which have proven highly popular in markets like the U.S. This move aligns with DriveWealth’s long-term growth strategy and its commitment to democratizing access to investing across the globe.
Lithuania’s supportive regulatory framework and well-developed fintech infrastructure make it an ideal location for DriveWealth’s entry into Europe. The country’s fintech-friendly policies allow innovative financial service providers to set up and scale efficiently. DriveWealth’s presence in Lithuania not only adds to the growing cluster of fintech firms but also reinforces the country’s reputation as a rising fintech powerhouse within the EU.
Source: Finance Magnates
Key Takeaways and Strategic Insights
As seen from today’s top stories, several overarching themes shape the fintech landscape:
- Global Partnerships and Local Expansion: Visa’s collaboration with SentBe exemplifies how partnerships enable fintech firms to break into regional markets by addressing specific customer needs.
- Transparency in Subscription Models: The customer backlash against difficult-to-cancel fintech services raises concerns about the sustainability of current subscription models.
- Innovation in Customer Onboarding: Pinwheel and Terafina’s partnership highlights the importance of streamlined onboarding processes as a means to increase customer satisfaction and improve retention.
- Mergers and Acquisitions to Fill Service Gaps: nCino’s acquisition of FullCircl illustrates a broader trend of consolidation, where fintech companies acquire specialized players to broaden their product portfolios.
- Regional Hubs as Strategic Launch Pads: DriveWealth’s decision to establish a base in Lithuania underscores the importance of regional fintech hubs in providing a supportive environment for global expansion.
Today’s roundup underscores the adaptability of fintech companies as they navigate emerging challenges and opportunities. From addressing regional financial needs to innovating customer experience, fintech firms continue to redefine what it means to engage in modern finance. As the industry grows, so too does the necessity for ethical practices, robust infrastructure, and agile customer solutions. In this competitive environment, the companies that prioritize transparency, customer satisfaction, and strategic expansion will set the standard for the future of finance.
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Fintech
Fintech Pulse: A Snapshot of Global Expansion, Regulatory Moves, and Transformative Tech in Fintech
In today’s fast-paced fintech ecosystem, the global narrative is pivoting towards integration, regulation, and technological advancement as new entrants aim for U.S. markets, emerging startups seek growth capital, and financial giants align with innovative trends. Here’s a breakdown of recent developments that underline the dynamism in fintech and the paths to profitability and compliance as technologies reshape financial services globally.
Singapore’s MAS Advocates for a Borderless Fintech Network
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) recently emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration in the global fintech ecosystem, with chairman Ravi Menon outlining a vision for a seamless fintech network. This network would transcend geographic and regulatory boundaries, allowing Singapore and its fintech entities to engage in mutually beneficial partnerships worldwide. Menon highlighted that Singapore’s strategic geographic position and regulatory environment make it a natural hub for fintech collaborations that advance financial inclusion and foster innovation.
This call for a borderless approach underscores the need for interoperability among financial systems globally, particularly as digital payments and decentralized finance become increasingly prevalent. Singapore’s initiatives signal that regions with supportive fintech policies can potentially drive new growth avenues in the digital economy.
Source: Channel News Asia
Thredd’s McCarthy to Fintech Entrants: Be Sponsor-Bank Ready for the U.S. Market
Fintech firms eyeing the U.S. market face a challenging regulatory landscape. John McCarthy of Thredd advises that those looking to enter the U.S. market should prioritize establishing sponsor-bank partnerships. The U.S. regulatory framework mandates that fintech companies collaborate with sponsor banks to access the financial system, making this step a critical milestone for fintechs aiming to operate stateside.
McCarthy’s guidance highlights an increasingly common barrier for fintech companies: navigating complex regulatory requirements to gain a foothold in the lucrative U.S. financial sector. For many, this means rethinking business models to comply with financial regulations, even as they innovate. This approach has led several fintech firms to secure sponsorship deals with established banks, enabling them to deliver compliant financial services to U.S. consumers.
Source: PYMNTS
Spidr Fintech Lands Funding to Drive Growth with Wells Fargo Backing
Spidr, a rising fintech star, has successfully raised capital, attracting the attention of Wells Fargo and other financial institutions. The fresh funding will fuel Spidr’s ambitious expansion plans, further positioning it as a formidable player in the fintech space. This backing from Wells Fargo represents a trend where major financial institutions are investing in or partnering with fintech startups to gain a competitive edge and meet evolving consumer expectations.
For Spidr, the capital injection aligns with a robust strategy for market penetration, and it’s an opportunity to leverage Wells Fargo’s extensive network and resources. Spidr’s latest round of funding signifies that traditional banks are increasingly open to collaborations with fintech entities, a trend that is reshaping the financial services landscape as banks seek to stay competitive in the digital age.
Source: Charlotte Business Journal
Elphinstone’s Trikl: Innovating Digital Payments in MENA
Elphinstone, a digital payments startup based in MENA, is introducing its innovative solution, Trikl, aimed at transforming payments across the region. The startup’s recent developments underscore its commitment to creating accessible and user-friendly payment systems tailored for the MENA market’s unique dynamics. By addressing specific needs such as currency exchange complexities and local payment preferences, Trikl is positioning itself as a key player in the digital payments landscape.
Trikl’s approach is particularly noteworthy as it caters to the MENA market’s diverse consumer base and taps into the region’s growing appetite for digital financial services. This development represents a promising advancement in digital payment solutions, fostering greater financial inclusion and enabling smoother transactions across borders in MENA.
Source: Menabytes
Hong Kong Sets Rules on Responsible AI to Get Ahead of Disruptive Tech
Hong Kong has unveiled regulatory guidelines on responsible AI use, a proactive move that places it among the leading jurisdictions in AI governance. This development signals Hong Kong’s recognition of the transformative impact of AI on financial services, as it sets clear boundaries on how AI can be used responsibly in financial applications. With AI continuing to disrupt financial services, responsible usage is becoming a priority, particularly in regions where financial systems are heavily reliant on technology.
These guidelines aim to balance innovation with accountability, addressing concerns over data privacy, ethical considerations, and risk management. Hong Kong’s stance on AI regulation reflects its commitment to safeguarding both consumers and financial institutions, setting a high standard for other regions to emulate in terms of regulatory foresight.
Source: South China Morning Post
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The Changing Landscape of Global Fintech
The financial technology (fintech) industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, making headlines worldwide. Today’s briefing dives into transformative moves and strategic shifts within fintech companies across diverse geographies. From innovative alliances to prominent executive appointments and ambitious expansions into banking, the industry is positioning itself for a future that intertwines financial inclusivity, regulatory compliance, and customer-centric technology. Let’s unpack these developments.
XTransfer’s Hong Kong Fintech Week Entry: Scaling Financial Access in China
XTransfer, a Shanghai-based cross-border financial services firm, has joined the Hong Kong Fintech Week to showcase its solutions, marking a significant milestone in its journey to bridge financial gaps for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China. Founded in 2017, XTransfer addresses common barriers faced by Chinese SMEs in accessing international financial networks due to regulatory complexities. The firm’s platform facilitates smoother cross-border transactions by helping businesses navigate regulatory and compliance challenges seamlessly.
The strategic choice to participate in Hong Kong Fintech Week highlights XTransfer’s commitment to strengthening connections within the Asian financial hub. The firm seeks to tap into the region’s wealth of potential clients and partners, as Hong Kong continues to be a pivotal gateway for businesses engaging in cross-border trade with China. The move is also symbolic of the broader fintech community’s push to create inclusive and accessible financial networks, even amid evolving regulatory landscapes.
Source: XTransfer Joins Hong Kong Fintech Week to Expand Global Presence (Yahoo Finance)
Propelld’s New Chief Business Officer: Driving Growth and Product Innovation
Propelld, an Indian ed-finance company, recently appointed Manoj Shetty as its new Chief Business Officer (CBO), signaling a strong commitment to enhancing its market penetration and product offerings. Known for his extensive experience in fintech, particularly in business development and scaling, Shetty is expected to spearhead Propelld’s ambitions to bring tailored financing solutions to India’s education sector.
Propelld focuses on providing student loans and education financing to underserved sections of India, leveraging advanced data analytics to assess borrowers’ potential rather than conventional credit scores. Shetty’s addition to the leadership team suggests that Propelld aims to double down on its innovative data-driven model to better serve the unique financial needs within education.
As the industry grows more competitive, having a seasoned executive like Shetty could be instrumental for Propelld to fortify its unique value proposition. His track record indicates a capacity for handling the nuanced needs of financial services catering to niche markets, and he may well position Propelld to scale sustainably in the expanding ed-finance space.
Source: Propelld Names Manoj Shetty as Chief Business Officer (IBS Intelligence)
Solo Funds Faces Legal Hurdles: The Class-Action Lawsuit Dilemma
In a move that could impact peer-to-peer lending’s regulatory path, Solo Funds faces a class-action lawsuit, alleging that the company’s lending practices breached consumer protection laws. As a platform designed to offer emergency loans to consumers facing cash flow issues, Solo Funds charges “tips” rather than conventional interest rates, a tactic intended to circumvent traditional lending regulations. However, plaintiffs argue that these tips effectively function as disguised interest, making Solo Funds’ practices deceptive and exploitative.
This lawsuit is a critical test for the burgeoning peer-to-peer lending segment, which has grown immensely in recent years as consumers seek alternatives to traditional financial institutions. The outcome may force similar platforms to reassess how they balance operational flexibility with regulatory compliance, potentially reshaping the industry’s approach to short-term lending.
With growing scrutiny on fintech lending platforms, the legal proceedings could also open a wider debate on how fintech firms should transparently operate within the bounds of financial laws. If Solo Funds is found liable, it may prompt stricter regulatory frameworks, affecting peer-to-peer platforms that rely on nontraditional models to attract users.
Source: Lending Fintech Solo Funds Faces Class-Action Lawsuit (TechCrunch)
Slice’s Transformation: A Fintech Company’s Foray into Traditional Banking
India-based Slice, originally a credit-based fintech, has announced its transition into a full-fledged bank, allowing it to offer conventional banking services in addition to its credit solutions. By securing regulatory approval to operate as a bank, Slice aims to expand its product range and deepen its relationship with a fast-growing consumer base in India. This move exemplifies a larger trend of fintech firms seeking to bridge the gap between traditional banking and innovative financial services.
Slice’s venture into banking will also set an intriguing precedent for other fintech companies in India and beyond. The company has successfully carved a niche among young users with its simple, digital credit products. As a bank, it can now offer savings accounts, lending products, and other services, thus creating a one-stop platform that could enhance customer retention and lifetime value.
The expansion to full banking status raises questions about how effectively Slice will manage its dual roles as a fintech innovator and a traditional bank, especially in a market as large and complex as India’s. It also marks a pivot point in the narrative of fintech companies morphing into full-service financial institutions, a trend that is gaining traction globally.
Source: India Fintech Slice Expands to Become a Bank (TechCrunch)
FullCircl’s 2025 Identity Verification Report: Insights into Compliance Challenges
FullCircl, a leading regulatory technology provider, recently released its “2025 State of Identity Verification” report, shedding light on the evolving landscape of identity verification and the challenges businesses face in maintaining compliance. As financial crimes become more sophisticated, firms increasingly invest in identity verification tools to stay ahead. According to the report, over 75% of financial institutions rank identity verification as a critical priority, citing the surge in fraudulent activities as a prime concern.
The report also highlights an industry-wide push towards digital identity systems and the use of artificial intelligence in detecting fraud patterns. As regulatory demands tighten and compliance risks rise, firms are urged to adapt swiftly. FullCircl’s findings underscore a need for seamless, real-time verification solutions that do not compromise customer experience—a delicate balance to maintain as identity verification protocols become more stringent.
The insights from FullCircl’s report reveal a heightened industry focus on ensuring robust identity frameworks that foster trust without hindering the ease of digital transactions. This growing demand aligns with broader trends where digital trust is crucial in retaining customers and enhancing their satisfaction.
Source: FullCircl Releases 2025 State of Identity Verification Report (PR Newswire)
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Fintech5 days agoFintech Pulse: Today’s Key Industry Developments, Appointments, and Regulatory Challenges
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Fintech PR3 days agoThe Rise of Insurance Third Party Administrator Market: A $544.67 Billion Industry Dominated by Tech Giants – Sedgwick, Crawford and Company and CorVel Corp | The Insight Partners
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Fintech2 days agoFintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief – Breaking Trends and Insights in Fintech
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Fintech3 days agoFintech Pulse: A Snapshot of Global Expansion, Regulatory Moves, and Transformative Tech in Fintech
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Fintech PR2 days agoXinhua Silk Road: Financial co-op for global common dev’t under spotlight at forum held in E. China’s Shanghai Jing’an
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Fintech PR3 days agoMinisters and Global Executives to Converge at the Second Edition of Gateway Gulf in Bahrain
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Fintech PR2 days agoROYAL CANADIAN MINT WINS TWO INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CURRENCY AFFAIRS’ 2024 EXCELLENCE IN CURRENCY AWARDS
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Fintech PR4 days agoXlence Launches Cutting-Edge Trading Platforms with MetaTrader 4 Integration